Round 3 - Race Report

Round 3 of the Gulf Radical Cup took place at the weekend at the Dubai Autodrome.

This round would be run using the GRC SuperPrix format. What this means is that the normal qualifying format is replaced with ‘superpole’. A real test for drivers to perform over just two laps. Sent out at 90-second intervals, drivers need to get up to speed on a single out lap and then push as hard as they can for two laps. No mistakes, as a deleted lap(s) could see you at the back of the grid. The race element also changes, with one race only, but 85 minutes in length with a tyre and fuel stop roughly halfway through.

So, starting the order for superpole was drawn out of a hat (well, actually an upside-down Parc Fermé cone), and first off was the pairing of Jahid Karim and Julien Darras of Dream Racing. For SuperPrix, you are able to add a second driver, and it was Darras who was in the car ready to set the pace, and he did, holding pole for most of the session with a 2.01.708. Next driver to get close to that was Amir Feyzulin, also of Dream Racing on a 2.02.343. But soon after, Alex Novichkov of Continental Racing pushed his way up to second with a 2.01.866, with the pairing of Vasily Vladykin and Michael Lyons less than 0.1 behind on a 2.01.972. Peri Daremas paid the ultimate price for running track limits, having both his laps deleted. However, his pace was good with a 2.02.371, but he would have to start at the back of the grid.

Drawing the last (and probably most desired spot) from the hat was Harry Hannam for GulfSport Racing. His first lap was a complete flyer on a 2.00.881, so that was it, the pole would go to Hannam, but he was not done, just one more lap! Jaws dropped as he crossed the finish line on a 2.00.219, a new qualifying lap record.

As the teams and drivers prepared for the long 85-minute race, it would be Hannam and Darras on the front row, with Novichkov and Vladykin behind. Pressure was on as the teams had strict pitstop rules to follow and they needed to get fuel in the car, tyres and drivers changed. This was controlled by a minimum of 4m30s in the pits. Timed from the moment they enter the pits to the moment they leave to back on track.

As the race got underway, it was Hannam who made a great start leading the pack out of turn one, with Novichkov right behind. Darras had a poor start and dropped back. By the end of the first lap, Hannam was holding his lead. Daremas, who had started last, was already up to 6th.

There were 35 minutes to run until the pit window would open, and most cars had settled into a bit of a rhythm. Unfortunately, the number 44 car of Volobuiev started to slow down on the main straight into turn 1. Momentarily, it looked like the car was going again, but again stopped at turn 9. This brought out the safety car, and over the next three laps, all drivers got a breather while the car was cleared out of the way.

As racing resumed, Hannam kept his lead, again using his pace to pull a small gap to the chasing Novichkov.

At 35 mins in, the pit window was open, and cars started to dive in. Drivers had to be out of the car while it was being refuelled; once that was done, tyres were changed, then drivers were strapped back in to get back to the race. All went pretty smoothly; however, the pairing of Vladykin and Lyons had been a little keen to get out of the pits and triggered the exit timing loop at 4m28 seconds.

This was 2 seconds under the minimum time. Unfortunately, this would mean a 17-second time penalty for them. A big shame as they were 3rd on the road, but now had Daremas breathing down their neck in 4th behind. Daremas was all over the mirrors of Lyons, eventually making a pass to secure third on the road. Hannam had a safe lead with Novichkov lapping fast in an impressive 2nd, and that was the finishing order at the chequered flag.

Daremas also topped the National class, with Khazzoum in second and Feyzulin in third.

Main Podium - 1st Harry Hannam, 2nd Alex Novichkov & 3rd Peri Daremas

National Class - 1st Peri Daremas, 2nd Johnny Khazzoum & 3rd Amir Feyzulin

A month off now, before round 4 back at the Yas Marina Circuit on January 17th.

Round 2 - Race Report

Some of the world’s fastest Radical racers headed for the 5.3kms GP circuit at the Dubai Autodrome to do battle in the second round of the Gulf Radical Cup. The grid highlighted the diversity of talent racing in the UAE with drivers from Cyprus, Ukraine, Lebanon, the UK, the UAE, St Kitts&Nevis, Lithuania, Russia, France, India, and Kazakhstan. With both last year’s Champion Alim Geshev and Vice Champion Usmaan Mughal absent for this round, there would clearly be great opportunities for the 15 drivers who had signed on. Having said that, 2023/24 Champion Alex Bukhantsov, who will shortly be doing the forthcoming Asia Le Mans Series, was one of them.

An early morning qualifying session to determine grid positions for the first of two Sprint races saw local karting and Clio Cup Champion, 17-year-old Harry Hannam (GulfSport Racing), set the pace with a best lap of 2:01.928, which was 0.419 ahead of Alexandr Novichkov (Continental Racing), and 0.925 ahead of Alex Bukhantsov (Dream Racing), with Johnny Khazzoum (KAA Motorsport) in P4 with a 2:03.509.

Click to watch Sprint Race 1

Race 1 started with a bang as there was a coming together on Lap 1 at the fast Turn 4, causing a multi-lap Safety Car period while three National Class cars were recovered: Aleks Celiadin (GulfSport Racing), Jahid Karim (Dream Racing), and Alexander Chachava (Dream Racing). Peri Daremas (GulfSport Racing) was also involved but continued for a few laps before retiring the car. When the race resumed, it was the young Hannam who maintained his lead to take the chequered flag, followed by Novichkov and Bukhantsov. However, the Stewards made a post-race decision to disqualify Novichkov as he had missed the scrutineering session, promoting Johnny Khazzoum to third place overall.

Click to watch Sprint Race 2

Race 2 proved to be an epic battle with Hannam on pole with Novichkov on P2 for the second rolling start of the day. The field screamed away at 10,000 rpm as the red lights went out and 15 cars went hurtling down into Turn 1, a steep downhill 17-metre-wide right-hand bend similar to Paddock Hill Bend at Brands Hatch that requires commitment and accuracy to achieve the optimum line and speed. Hannam got the holeshot and the racing line but very quickly found Bukhantsov on his left as they entered Turn 1 side by side.

At the bottom, they went side by side at the high speed Turn 2, a left-hand high-speed kink like a mini ‘Eau Rouge’ and continued uphill through the right-handed T3 then plunged downhill to a sequence of corners not dissimilar to the Maggotts/Becketts complex at Silverstone. But as they entered the right-hander at the bottom of the hill, Turn 6, Hannam was on the inside and now rubbing paint with Bukhantsov. But it was the 23/24 Champion on the faster line who managed to control a big slide and take the lead into Turn 7 and pulled away to create a 1.8-second gap. Khazzoum and Daremas found themselves leading the battle for National Class honours, but it was not long before Daremas pushed past Khazzoum to take the lead. Positions changed rapidly as Shibin Yousef and Amir Feyzulin started to gang up on Khazzoum.

Hannam didn’t give up and slowly closed the gap every lap. He got right on the tail of Bukhantsov on lap 9. Of course, it’s one thing to catch, but it’s an entirely different matter to pass. Remarkably, as they flew down the fast back straight at 240kph towards Turn 10, Hannam moved right, then as Bukhantsov covered him, Hannam went left and dived up the inside in a very impressive display of control and speed from the 17-year-old to take the lead, which he held until the flag.

Early Sunday morning, the pack took to the circuit for a 15-minute qualifying session to set the grid for the 45-minute race that would take place later that day. With the cooler, denser morning air, engines were extra crisp, and new Hankook tyres got bedded in for a few laps before the drivers let rip in their lightweight, high-downforce 232bhp sports prototypes. Hannam showed intent, putting in the fastest lap at 2:01.827, a full half second quicker than Kazakhstan’s Vasily Vladykin (Continental Racing), with Peri Daremas (GulfSport Racing) showing his potential in P3. Bukhantsov had a surprisingly low-key session with P8, no doubt saving his tyres for the big race.

Click to watch the Enduro Race

The big race did not disappoint. GT racer Vasili Vladykin (Continental Racing), who qualified on P2, had to start from the pit lane after a problem restarting the engine. At the start, Hannam got away cleanly, but Daremas got tapped into a spin just after Turn 1. So it was Hannam, Shibin Yousaf (Dream Racing), and fast-starting Bukhantsov who led away from Novichkov (Continental Racing), Andy Lowe (GulfSport Racing), and side by side with Amir Feyzulin (Dream Racing). The racing was also intense behind them as Johnny Khazzoum (KAA Motorsport) was being tracked by newcomer Alain Alfonsi (GulfSport Racing), who was up to 7th from his P15 starting place. Daremas was also on a charge through the field, no doubt inspired by his spin on lap 1, which saw him in P9 after his great P3 qualifying result, but after a coming together with Khazzoum, Daremas was given a 10-second penalty. Notably, Vladykin was making great strides in working through the field from his pit lane start and was soon up to P7.

The pit window opened at 28 minutes into the race, and first in was Khazzoum to serve the standard 45-second mandatory stop. Bukhantsov came in last, knowing he had an additional 20 seconds as a result of winning at Round 1.

As the race continued, Hannam led by 15 seconds from Daremas and Feyzulin, Lowe and Yousef. But with a 10-second penalty, Daremas found himself only 5 seconds ahead of Feyzulin, which meant he would be demoted to P3 if the race finished like that. So he was directed by his driver coach, ex-British Radical Champion Ross Kaiser, to up his pace to ensure that he was at least 10 seconds ahead of Feyzulin at the finish.

But it was a sensational performance from the young gun Hannam, who took his third win this weekend. Daremas successfully found the pace to increase the gap to 11 seconds to take P2, and Feyzulin finished 3rd overall.

Next round (Round 3) is only ten days away and will be the debut of the SuperPrix format as a championship points-scoring round of the GRC.

Round 1 - Race Report

As the nights draw in and the weather turns cold in the northern hemisphere, Radical racers from far and wide headed for sunshine in the United Arab Emirates for Round 1 of the 2025-26 Gulf Radical Cup. With 400 minutes of track time available on one of the world’s most iconic Formula 1 race circuits the Gulf Radical Cup has become the go-to winter series for enthusiast drivers.

Radical’s popular ‘Race the World’ initiative was highlighted by a number of visiting drivers and teams who compete in other Radical series in Europe, USA and Asia. The event also attracted some interesting newcomers to the series, including UAE karting champion Harry Hannam, Austrian Jorden Dolischka and Hungarian Lena Galyo from the Racing Women initiative, Historic Grand Prix racer Stephen Shanly and Alain Alfonsi. Was there anyone here able to give the local champions a run for their money? After official testing on the Friday, it was clear this was indeed the case as both Hannam and Dolischka were able to run with the best of them.

Saturday morning qualifying put Bukhantsov and Hannam on the front row of the grid for the start of the first Sprint Race. Dolischka, who qualified 5th, had trouble restarting her car for the green flag sighting lap, relegating her to the back of a 17-car grid.

The live-stream cameras rightly focused on the battle at the front, where Hannam remained on the tail of Bukhantsov. They would finish 1-2, with Novichkov and Mughal scrapping for third place on the podium. As Novichkov claimed P3, spectators were amazed to see Racing Women star driver Dolischka make her way past 11 drivers to finish in P6. On the National Podium Amir Feyzulin took a well deserved victory.

The second Sprint Race was a nail-biter, with Hannam now even more determined that he could beat former GRC Champion Bukhantsov, and Dolischka determined to make the best of her second row start next to Mughal. Sure enough, it all kicked off as drivers were now much better acquainted with the circuit, their tyres and cars on this challenging 5,281-metre-high speed circuit.

At the rolling start, Bukhantsov and Hannam went through turn 1 side by side with Dolischka in P3.  Bukhantsov managed to hold the line down to turn 5, and Mughal managed to slide down the inside at turn 6 to regain his P3 starting spot. Novichkov settled into P5, closely followed by Lowe, Feyzulin, and Chachava.

Bukhantsov appeared comfortable with Hannam remaining less than a second behind, but on lap 7, as they came to the last corner, Hannam made his move, braking late and sending it down the inside to grab the lead - and Bukhantsov spun, coming to a rest in the middle of the circuit. He rejoined, but halfway down the pack, only to retire the following lap, leaving Hannam an easy ride to take the chequered flag. This gave Mughal P2 and Jordan Dolischka P3. Andy Lowe can out on top in the National Class to take a victory ahead of Feyzulin and Chachava.

Sunday morning quali saw Hannam getting the better of Bukhantsov to take pole position for the upcoming 45-minute enduro race with Mughal on P3 next to Dolischka again on the second row.

As the red lights went out, it was Bukhantsov, so he got into an early lead, with Hannam and Mughal nose to tail behind. But further down the field, Alfonsi was making a move into turn 6, but misjudged his braking and connected with the rear of Chachava, taking them both out of the race, but also forcing out the safety car.

After a quick clear-up, racing was back on and it was close at the front. Both Bukhantsov and Hannam were able to open a small gap ahead of Mughal in third, while there was a small gap behind Mughal to the battle for 4th between Novichkov and Dolishka. Before you knew it, 19 minutes of racing have gone and the pitstop window opened. Mughal was the first of the leaders to pit, making a perfect 45-second stop. Next lap, Hannam and Bukhantsov pitted together.

As they ran nose to tail along the pit lane, it was Hannam’s pit box that came up first, only 40 metres behind that of Bukhantsov. Both made a great getaway, with Bukhantsov just keeping his lead.

However, two laps later, a message from Race Control - “10 Second Penalty for Speeding in the pit lane Number 63”. In the hurry to get out ahead of Hannam, Bukhantsov misjudged this speed and just exceeded the 60KPH limit. This meant that for the rest of the race, all Hannam had to do was sit behind and take the advantage at the end, and that’s exactly what he did. Mughal was in third, but was not able to keep his gap to the leader under 10 seconds to also jump ahead, but settled for a well-raced 3rd place. In the National class it was a race long battle between Shanly, Lowe and Feyzulin. In the end it was Feyzulin across the line first, but after series of track limit penalties it placed the victory in the hands of Shanly, followed by Lowe and Feyzulin in third.

However further drama was left to unfold. In a cruel turn, and after the podium presentation was complete, Hannam’s car failed the ride height check on a small part of the front diffuser, but this meant instant disqualification. Promoting Bukhantsov back to the win, Mughal up to second, and Novichkov to third.

This season sees one of the most competitive so far, with the first 12 drivers being covered by only 1 second in qualifying on the long Yas GP circuit, showing how good the pace will be this year.

All eyes on Round 1 - Yas Marina Circuit

Just a few days away from the start of Round 1 of the 2025/26 Gulf Radical Cup, and the entry list is taking shape. With 18 cars expected on the grid in their Radical SR3 1500s coming from 11 different countries.

This strong grid of drivers from across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia will launch into the opening round of the region’s most competitive national race series. With a mix of returning race winners, international debutants in their new-generation XXR cars!

Eighteen cars are entered for the season opener, fielded by top teams including GulfSport Racing, Dream Racing, Continental Racing, Valour Racing, and KAA Motorsport — each boasting proven Radical contenders and ambitious newcomers.

Dream Racing exploded back into life last season and is looking to secure its place at the top of the tables this year. Notably with Alex Bukhantsov (two-time GRC Champion). Teammate Amir Feyzulin, a front-runner in 2024/25 and a podium regular, is another to watch. German driver Marcel Kopp makes his return to the Gulf Radical Cup after test and race outings earlier this year in an LMP3, while Russian driver Alexander Chachava returns in his Dream Racing SR3 XXR.

GulfSport Racing’s (Radical UAE) lineup, spearheaded by Usmaan Mughal, who is the 2024/25 Gulf Radical Cup Vice Champion. But challenged this year by newcomer, but rapid Harry Hannam, one of the youngest but most composed drivers in the field, already a proven local multiple Kart racing champion and last seasons Clio Cup Middle East Champion.

Returning to racing after a 30-year gap is Alain Alfonsi in the red and white GSR XXR, with Stephen Shanly also adding experience to the team. Aleks Celiandin making his Gulf Radical Cup debut and Peri Daremas looking for another podium at Yas Marina Circuit complete the team’s impressive line-up, all looking to build on testing pace at Yas in previous weeks.

The Continental Racing duo of Alexandr Novichkov and Vasily Vladykin bring experience and speed to the Continental racing line-up. Novichkov, who claimed the GRC National Champion title last year, joins Vladykin — a seasoned GT racer. The final driver for Continental is yet to be announced.

Austrian Jorden Dolischka and Hungarian Lena Galyo make up Valour Racing’s youthful and ambitious entry. Dolischka, who won the Racing Women shoot-out at Donnington Park last month, with this fully paid prize drive from sports.com races alongside Galyo. Galyo was very rapid at Donnington also, and brings a high level of karting experience, and is the youngest driver on the grid.

Lebanese racer Johnny Khazzoum joins the newly formed KAA Motorsport for 2025/26 this season. Khazzoum is one of the most experienced drivers out there, and with his commitment to the full season this year, the pressure is on to see those podiums roll in.

Lastly, Andy Lowe, who has spent the summer campaigning in the UK Radical Cup and North America Radical Cup, will be flying in for Round 1, before getting back on a plane to compete at the 2025 Radical World Finals at Virginia International Raceway in the USA.

Testing starts on Thursday night with a 3-hour open pitlane, before another 3-hour session Friday morning. Followed by a 60-minute and 30-minute Gulf Radical Cup practice session that afternoon. Saturday sees qualifying and two x 25-minute Sprint races, with another qualifying on Sunday morning before the 45-minute Enduro Race.

Catch all the action from Yas Marina Circuit live this Saturday on the official Radical Motorsport YouTube page.

Accomplished Talent Harry Hannam Joins GulfSport Racing for 2025/26 Gulf Radical Cup

Dubai, UAE – GulfSport Racing is excited to announce that promising British driver Harry Hannam will join the team for the upcoming 2025/26 Gulf Radical Cup, marking an exciting next step in his motorsport career.

Hannam’s racing journey began at an early age in the UAE, cutting his teeth in the local karting scene where he honed his racecraft on his way to collecting 4 national karting Championships and successful appearances in multiple karting world finals.

In 2024, Hannam made the step up to cars by dominating the 2024/25 Renault Clio Cup Middle East. At the end of that season, he made a wild card entry into the Gulf Radical Cup SuperPrix, where he delivered an impressive debut performance. Despite facing a grid packed with experienced drivers, Hannam showcased both pace and maturity, gaining the attention of Gulf Radical Cup teams and drivers alike.

Now, the 2025/26 Gulf Radical Cup presents Hannam with the opportunity to take his career to the next level. Racing in a GulfSport Racing prepared Radical SR3 XXR, he will compete on two of the regions top tracks, Yas Marina Circuit and Dubai Autodrome. With vital support from H&R (by MSW - Exclusive regional distributor) and GulfSport Racing, Hannam is going for the top spot this season. 

“I’ve been passionate about motorsport from the very beginning,” Hannam commented. “Karting gave me the skills and mindset to compete, and last season’s SuperPrix was a great taste of driving the Radical SR3. It’s for sure the right step in my campaign to compete at the highest level of GT and Sportscar racing. Joining GulfSport Racing for a full Gulf Radical Cup is a great opportunity. I’m ready to learn, progress, and push for a top spot this season.” 

GulfSport Racing is equally excited about welcoming Hannam. “Harry has shown great commitment and potential in his racing so far,” said a GulfSport Racing’s Martin Hope. “We’re looking forward to supporting his development and helping him achieve strong results in what will be a very competitive season.”

Hannam will be in his SR3 XXR next week at the first Pre Season test on Yas Marina Circuit.

The Gulf Radical Cup is one of the region’s leading one-make championships, attracting a mix of drivers from the UAE and further afield. The 2025/26 season begins this October and promises another year of close and competitive racing.

2025/26 Season - Just Around the Corner!

Just over six weeks away and the 2025/26 Gulf Radical Cup will kick off in style at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Following one of the most successful years to date, this coming season looks to be equally as competitive and enjoyable for teams and drivers from the UAE and further afield.

GRC regulars Amir Feyzulin and Johnny Khazzoum will line up on the grid in their SR3 XXR machines, alongside them will be Alex Chachava and Alex Novichkov, who both made their debut in the GRC last season. Novichkov impressively took the National Class title last season, and is expected to build on that and run up the front this season.

UK racer Andy Lowe will also make his return, and after impressive running in the UK and US series this season is expected to be on pace. Peri Daremas also found great pace at the end of last season, so is expected to get back on the podium. Jahid Karim has also upgraded to an XXR and looking to work his way up the field, hoping to take a podium in the National Class!

There will also be some new faces on the grid, aviation entrepreneur Aleksandr Celiadin will make his racing debut in his new SR3 XXR at the first round.

Experienced Radical racer Chris Preen will also be there for Round 1, after his success last season, picking up a win at the Round 4 Enduro also at YAS.

We will also see several new domestic and international entries throughout the season, bringing an extra edge to the already competitive field. With a mix of experienced campaigners and ambitious newcomers, the 2025/26 Gulf Radical Cup promises close racing, dramatic battles, and plenty of action under the lights at Yas Marina Circuit and Dubai Autodrome.

The calendar will once again feature iconic UAE venues, including Yas Marina and Dubai Autodrome, providing drivers with the perfect stage to showcase the performance of the Radical SR3 XXR. Endurance formats and sprint races will ensure both strategy and outright pace are rewarded.

With the Radical community in the region continuing to grow, the Gulf Radical Cup remains the premier platform for aspiring and established racers alike.

The season officially kicks off on 1st November at Yas Marina Circuit. Spectators are welcome, and live updates will be shared across the Gulf Radical Cup’s digital channels.

Round 1 Date Change

GulfSport Racing LLC, the promoter of the Gulf Radical Cup, has been able to negotiate a new start date for the 2025/26 season. Round 1 will now take place a week earlier, still at Yas Marina Circuit, but now on the 1st and 2nd of November.

This is a positive move, allowing the original clash with the Radical World Finals in VIR (USA) to now be avoided.

Considering this date change, and given tomorrow was the last day of the early entry offer, this has now been extended to the 15th of August.

2025/26 Online Entries Now Open

The Gulf Radical Cup is excited to announce that entries are officially open for the highly anticipated 2025/26 season. Building on a record-breaking year of Radical racing across the Gulf region, the new season promises even more action, grid growth, and opportunities for both experienced competitors and newcomers to the GRC family.

Building on the success of the 2024/25 season, which attracted a record number of entries and showcased some of the most competitive Radical racing globally, the Gulf Radical Cup continues to be the premier destination for drivers seeking high-performance, cost-effective motorsport in the Middle East.

Prospective competitors are encouraged to secure their places early, as grid slots are limited and demand is expected to be strong once again. The online registration form is now live and can be accessed here:

“We’re excited to open entries for what promises to be another fantastic season,” said Fred Jacobs - Series Coordinator. “The calendar provides an outstanding mix of circuit layouts and dates, and we look forward to welcoming both returning drivers and new faces to the paddock.”

For any enquiries regarding entries, technical regulations, or event logistics, please contact: grc@gulf-sport.com

Or, click below to see Racer/Team Info Page:

2025/26 Race Dates Announced

Radical race cars first took to the track on the 11th of December 2005, and twenty years later the owners of the Gulf Radical Cup, GulfSport Racing LLC, prepare for another season of racing in the UAE.

Despite all the noise and glamour of various local and international series coming and going over the years, the Gulf Radical Cup has ‘blazed a trail’ right up the middle and been the only series to run every one of these 20 years since 2005!

Martin Hope (GulfSport Racing) not leading the field, back on 2005 at the A1 GP!

This season sees some exciting additions to the race schedule, with Round 3 being the ‘SuperPrix’ format. This endurance race format was trialled following the last round of last season; it was greatly received and now has been placed as a championship round.

20 Years after that first race, the ‘GRC’ pack roar in to T1 at the Dubai Autodrome 2025

The race format for the 2025/26 season will otherwise be the same. But now running 19 races over seven events, the other six rounds format is 2 x 25-minute Sprint Races on the Saturday and a 1 x 45-minute Enduro on the Sunday.

Drivers have the option to share the series (and cost) with a second driver by entering as a ‘Team’, changing drivers at the mandatory pit stop in Mini Enduro, and doing a Sprint Race each. With a slight change to the regulations this year, it allows two drivers to enter, but if only one of the pairing can make a race weekend, the points gained that weekend go towards the Team entry, allowing for maximum flexibility.

This season, there will be two pre-season tests in October, one at Yas Marina Circuit and at the Dubai Autodrome, with Round 1 kicking off at the world-famous Yas Marina Circuit on the 8th of November.

Online entries will open on the 1st of July.

For more information relating to the upcoming season or for support with car import and support/storage etc., get in touch on grc@gulf-sport.com

SuperPrix - Race Report

The 2025 Super Prix, organised by GulfSport Racing (Radical UAE), took place last weekend (19th April 2025) on the 4.29 km International Circuit at the Dubai Autodrome.

This inaugural running of the format took the shape of a 2-lap Super Pole qualifying session to determine the grid for an 85-minute endurance race for drivers and teams running the Radical SR3.

It was a day of blue skies and bright sunshine, but all eyes were on the highly anticipated clash between current and former Gulf Radical Cup Champions, Alim Geshev and Alex Bukhantsov. The event also attracted several new faces, as well as experienced and talented competitors, including regulars Alex Novichkov sharing with Marcel Kiefer, Jimmy Chou, Harry Hannam, Kenny Murray sharing with Jon Simmonds, and Sean Simpson sharing with Marcel Kopp.

Super Pole allows drivers just an out lap, two flying laps, and one in lap—so focus and precision are critical, especially as lap times are disallowed if track limits are exceeded.

The session kicked off with the #88 Dream Racing SR3 XXR driven by Sean Simpson, but unfortunately a technical issue brought them to a premature halt. Jon Simmonds went next and set a best lap time of 1:44.667 in his XXR. He was followed by National Champion Alex Novichkov, who, after losing his first flying lap for track limits, set a strong time of 1:41.051. Next up was Harry Hannam in an SR3 XX, whose best lap was 1:41.922. Hannam was followed by Jimmy Chou, who clocked a 1:42.103.

This left the intriguing battle between two of the world’s fastest Radical racers: Alim Geshev and Alex Bukhantsov. Geshev went first and set his best time on his second flying lap—a 1:40.704. Bukhantsov set off exactly 90 seconds later and was quickly up to speed. His first flying lap (1:41.800) was deleted for track limits, and his second lap was a 1:41.171—just 0.467 seconds slower than Geshev.

The Super Prix began with a lightning-fast start from Bukhantsov, fresh from competing in the 2025 Ultimate Cup and Asia Le Mans Series. He took the lead into Turn 1 from his P3 grid slot, followed closely by front-row starters Geshev and Novichkov. Taiwanese teenager Jimmy Chou, who was handed a 5-second penalty for exceeding track limits while following Novichkov, was closely pursued by Kopp, Hannam, and Simmonds who also received a 5-second penalty. As the tyres warmed up, lap times started to fall, and it was 2023/24 Champion Bukhantsov who began to build a gap, pulling nearly 4 seconds clear of Geshev as they reached the one-hour-to-go mark.

As the race progressed, it became apparent that although Geshev remained in P2, he was able to match Bukhantsov’s lap times and even set the fastest lap on Lap 4.

When the pit lane opened after 35 minutes for the mandatory 4-minute pit stop (allowing for driver changes and refuelling), Novichkov was first in to hand over to Marcel Kiefer, followed by Hannam and Kopp, who handed over to Simpson. Bukhantsov then pitted, leaving Geshev in the lead, and was followed in by Chou and Simmonds.

Geshev pitted on Lap 29, hoping his clear laps before the stop would give him the lead once his 4-minute stop was complete. However, it wasn’t to be—Geshev’s stop was 18 seconds longer than Bukhantsov’s perfectly timed 4-minute stop. As the second half of the race began, Geshev was now 19 seconds behind, followed by Jimmy Chou, Hannam, Keifer, Sompson, and Murray. Geshev was lapping faster than Bukhantsov, and with 25 minutes to go, the chase was on.

By the 16-minute mark, Geshev had closed the gap to 16 seconds, gaining at more than 1 second per lap. With 10 minutes remaining, the gap was down to 11 seconds, and it became a nail-biting chase as Geshev could now see Bukhantsov ahead.

Jimmy Chou held a comfortable P3 position, ahead of Harry Hannam, Marcel Kiefer, Simpson, and Murray.

Bukhantsov delivered a flawless race and crossed the finish line just 6.329 seconds ahead of Geshev after flat-out racing over 206 km. Jimmy Chou shared the podium in P3 for the Solo Class drivers.

Taking the top step of the AM/AM class were Novichkov and Kiefer.